Restrain

Love is Pain.
Only a few bloodsuckers left before I can be at peace, for the first time since I promised revenge against those who tore apart my family, and plundered my community. My confidence has grown with every cold body. I know the slick of blood on my hands, the taste of burned flesh. The give of skin and muscle as it's separated by steel. I'm finally beginning to feel whole, more powerful than I dreamed possible.
But Calder's broken, refusing to play the game, refusing to go down fighting. It's safer for me to keep my distance, away from the confusion his touch inspires. But given the choice between my safety, and his suffering, I'll choose his suffering any day.
I have too much to lose to risk falling in love now, especially with the man I swore to kill.